Managing regulatory exposure one rule at a time
DFP Partners provides full-service compliance consulting to broker-dealers seeking FINRA membership application services, ongoing regulatory compliance consulting and support, as well as CRD Registration Services.
We can support your business in many areas. A qualified FINRA Series 24 registered DFP Partners consultant can serve as your firm’s designated Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). Additionally, our consulting team offers a suite of compliance services on a retainer or project basis to support your in-house CCO.
FINRA New Membership Application (NMA) requirements are extensive and exact, and DFP Partners will pilot the entire process.
Successfully navigating FINRA’s application process requires deep understanding of the client’s business, formulating appropriate responses to FINRA information requests, and full membership interview preparedness. Our consultants are skilled in this meticulous process, having represented firms of varied size and structure.
We provide ongoing regulatory support via on-site visits, off-site accessibility, and informed guidance.
All associate directors, directors, and partners registered with Series 7 & 24
DFP Partners has been in
business for over 60 years
Average industry tenure
at partner level
Navigating the FINRA New Membership Application (NMA) process requires careful planning, detailed documentation, and ongoing coordination with regulators. We provide end-to-end support, guiding firms through each stage of the application—from developing a comprehensive business plan to preparing and filing Forms BD and NMA. Our team assists with drafting policies and procedures, responding to FINRA inquiries, and preparing for membership interviews, helping to streamline the process and position your firm for an approval. Successfully navigating this process demands a deep understanding of the membership application process as well as your firm’s specific business model and structure. Our consultants bring exactly that, having represented firms of varied size and complexity throughout the application process.
Accurate and timely registration is critical for broker-dealers, their associated persons, as well as registered investment advisers. We assist firms with all aspects of Central Registration Depository (CRD) administration, including the preparation and filing of Forms U4, U5, BD, and BR. Our team helps manage disclosure reporting, regulatory filing deadlines, state registrations, and associated person licensing logistics, so your firm can stay focused on business operations without the risk of registration lapses or filing errors.
Launching a broker-dealer requires building a compliance framework that is both scalable and aligned with regulatory requirements. We work closely with startups to design and implement tailored compliance programs, including drafting policies and procedures, establishing supervisory structures, and preparing for FINRA membership. Our practical, hands-on approach helps new firms navigate regulatory complexities, avoid common pitfalls, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.
Maintaining regulatory compliance as a broker-dealer is an ongoing responsibility that requires consistent attention and expert guidance. DFP Partners provides experienced and comprehensive compliance support with proactive regulatory guidance tailored to your firm’s needs. Whether you need a qualified FINRA Series 24 registered consultant to serve as your firm’s designated Chief Compliance Officer or prefer to support your in-house CCO with an experienced compliance team, we offer retainer and project-based arrangements designed to keep your compliance program running smoothly and your firm protected.
Broker-dealers face a range of compliance risks on a daily basis. Common areas of concern include inadequate supervisory procedures, insufficient documentation, communications and advertising review and approval, AML program deficiencies, lapses in registration status, or insufficient or late disclosures. We help firms identify these risks, implement proactive measures, and strengthen internal controls—reducing the likelihood of findings, and enhancing overall exam readiness.
The FINRA membership application process is thorough by design, and timelines can vary depending on the complexity of your firm’s business model and the completeness of your application. In general, the process can take anywhere from three to six months from the approval of the initial submission to receiving approval. FINRA’s review includes an in-depth assessment of your business plan, financial condition, supervisory structure, and the qualifications of your principals, and involves multiple rounds of information requests before approval is granted. Working with an experienced compliance consultant from the outset can help ensure your application is complete and well-prepared, minimizing delays and keeping the process moving forward as efficiently as possible.
